What is a literary element?

A literary element refers to the essential components that make up a narrative. These elements include things like plot, character, setting, conflict, and theme, which together create the framework for storytelling. Without these foundational features, a narrative would lack structure and coherence, making it difficult for the audience to engage with the story.

While the other options mention aspects related to literature, they do not encompass the full scope of what constitutes a literary element. The second option discusses techniques that might be used within the broader context of storytelling, but it doesn’t define the fundamental components themselves. The third option focuses specifically on figurative language, which is just one aspect within the larger framework of literary elements. The fourth option suggests a method of evaluating stories, which pertains to analysis rather than the underlying components that make up a narrative.